RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS

The challenges associated with caring for an infant with special medical needs can be difficult to manage. Amber Pharmacy’s Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Center of Excellence offers personalized patient care, access to needed medications and the clinical support necessary to promote medication adherence and compliance for patients with RSV.

Each RSV patient is assigned a healthcare team. This team has extensive experience with RSV patients and provides support for the clinical, physical, financial, educational and emotional needs of patients and their caregivers.

99%

patient satisfaction

We supported over

20,000

patients in 2018

Over

300

years combined clinical experience

Amber Pharmacy is Here to Help

To make managing RSV easier for you, Amber Pharmacy’s enrollment and benefit coordinators will help you with your insurance coverage and will work with you to find the best way to pay for your medication. Personal care coordinators will ensure timely delivery of your child’s medication to your pediatrician’s office. Our team also has experts in managing RSV and will help you with your treatment—including how to manage side effects. At Amber Pharmacy, we’re always here to help.

“As a father of three young children myself, I can’t help but become overwhelmed with the desire to do something positive for every patient with RSV we receive. We have a great team and I’m extremely proud to be a part of it!”

— Rusty Helser, Pharm.D.
Amber Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacist

Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?

RSV is a common, seasonal virus that affects almost all children by the age of two. RSV causes lung and airway infections which can lead to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. However, in high-risk infants, RSV can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Who is at high risk for severe RSV illness?

Premature infants, children less than 2 years of age with congenital heart or chronic lung disease, and children with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe lung infections caused by RSV.

When is RSV season?

Although a person can catch RSV at any time, most infections occur during the winter months. RSV season generally lasts from November to April in the U.S., but the timing can vary amongst different regions.

How does RSV spread?

RSV is highly contagious and enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can be spread through direct and indirect contact with an infected person. Direct contact with the virus can occur through physical contact with an infected person, like touching, kissing or inhaling virus-containing droplets sent into the air by coughing and sneezing. Indirect contact with the virus can occur from touching a contaminated surface and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can live for several hours outside of the body on surfaces like countertops, toys and unwashed hands.

How can I reduce the risk of my baby becoming infected with RSV?

During RSV season, practice the following to decrease your baby’s risk of exposure to the virus:

Wash your baby’s bedding often

Wash your hands frequently and especially before touching your baby

Keep your baby away from crowds

Keep your baby away from people with colds

Don’t allow people to smoke around your baby

If possible, limit the time your baby spends in potentially contagious settings, like daycare centers

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Symptoms of RSV usually appear 4-6 days after coming into contact with the virus. Older children usually have mild, cold-like symptoms. However, more severe symptoms can result in high-risk infants and include:

Rapid or labored breathing

Severe cough

Wheezing

High fever

Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen

Contact a doctor if your child has any of these severe symptoms.

What kind of treatments are available?

A preventative drug called Synagis® (palivizumab) is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and children who are at high risk. However, the drug cannot help cure or treat children who already have the disease. Synagis® is given by intramuscular injection and is given at a doctor’s office. Synagis® is administered once a month throughout RSV season.